Friday, January 30, 2009

Peter And The Wolves - Love/Hate Thing


Peter And The Wolves - Love/Hate Thing

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 30 January 2009

PETER AND THE WOLVES " Love/Hate Thing "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD
- CANADA
Jam rock/70's rock/funk/soul


Peter And The Wolves is a group of Peter Foret. He is a long time runnin' musician/performer/composer. His carrear started back in 70's, but moving to Ottawa, in the mid 80's, he formed a Peter And The Wolves band. A mentioned group is also one of a most wanted dance act in area, and band has in own repertoair a numerous of songs/covers.
"Love/Hate Thing " are consists of Peter's authors materials. There are 9 tracks on album, performed by "so call" big band, helped by additional musicans, who plays a brass instruments. So, with a respectable horn section behind, Peter has created a fine materials which oriantations touches many fields as a jam rock, 70's rock, soul, funk... and also a many other things in-between. Some comparabilities leads to the groups as a Little Feat, Chicago or Neville Brothers, even that Peter's group posses quite enough elements of originality.
I would also say that Peter's voice in many segments associate on late Lowel George method of vocalizations, and suppose that some memories will passed through listener's ears. "Love/Hate Thing" is also a well-produced album, without any possible exsisting technical failurs. A songs are very listenable, and Peter's band also has created a respectable arrangments works. "Love/Hate Thing" is recomandable album, released by excellent performers and well-experienced musicians.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.peterforet.com

e-mail : p.foret@videotron.ca

OCTANE GYPSY - Tough Luck Mile


OCTANE GYPSY - Tough Luck Mile

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 30 January 2009

OCTANE GYPSY " Tough Luck Mile "
( Self - released ) 2008.

EP CD

Sleaze/hard rock - USA

Out of Hollywood comes Octane Gypsy band, active some period on local circuit. They work as a quartet, and have an interesting female fronted singer Eleanor Goldfield "Swede". A band has introduced themselves with 4 track EP, entitled "Tough Luck Mile" . Octane Gypsy are faithful to sleaze/hard rock variants with presence of some retro 70's/80's additionals and flavours as well. Some comparizitions leads to Motley Crue, Guns 'n' Roses, Cinderella performing options . A band has offered a raw sound, but melodic tendencies are also evident and they played manniristically relevant.
Their materials are acceptable maybe more for concert atmosphere, even that its studio offering also satisfies. I would mention a Rolling Stones cover from EP, "Honky Tonk Woman ", where band has offered an interesting not only a repeatable version.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.octanegypsyband.com
www.myspace.com/octanegypsy
e-mail : octanegypsy@gmail.com

Monday, January 26, 2009

HEAVY WATER EXPERIMENTS - Heavy Water Experiments


HEAVY WATER EXPERIMENTS - Heavy Water Experiments

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 26 January 2009

HEAVY WATER EXPERIMENTS "Heavy Water Experiments "
( Intrepid Sound Recordings ) 2008.

CD
Psychedelic/progressive - USA


HWE is L.A. based band/duo fronted by David Melbey, formerly also active in groups as a Imogene and Fuzz Beloved. This "s/t" album is one of most enjoyable product released in previous 2008 year, if we speak about releases with psychedelic approach.
What we can find here on 12 present tracks is untipical psychedelic/drone/stoner atmosphere, fullfield also with progressive art details as well.
A songs are judging by its arrangments structures mostly different among them, and general different travelling trip has occupied complete album materials. In most of places from album, a mentioned releasing atmosphere knows to remind on albums and recordable products from the
period of late 60's and the begining of the 70's, even of fact that HWE authors signiture is surelly original and in many aspects unique.
I wouldn' t mention any specific track/song as a favourable one, and offering material posses something of "hidden" conceptuality too. This is very valuable album and hope that promotional activities of band will maximize public attention on its music.

Rating : 9,5/10
C / o : www.heavywaterexperiments.com
www.myspace.com/heavywaterexperiments
e-mail : david@heavywaterexperiments.com

Saturday, January 24, 2009

NADIMAC - Metal je rat


NADIMAC - Metal je rat

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 24 January 2009

NADIMAC " Metal je rat "
( Self - released ) 2008.

EP CD
- SERBIA
Thrash metal/thrashcore


A Belgrade based horde Nadimac are certainly act with funny name and also same lirical approach/messages.They are active on domestick scene from 2003 year, and through period of existence they have received and recognize some audience attention. A group work as a quartet, and its actuelle discographical offering is an EP with 5 tracks in. They sing, or better to say create untipical screamo/growl vocalizations in native tongue, where faster backing performings has followed all of offering tracks.
Nadimac play own variant of thrash metal, fullfield with strong thrashcore tendencies, and done without calculation. You can love it, or hate it, but band all things did with passionate and strong youth energy. A recomandable track for again listening could be a title "Hrani babu da te ujede".

Rating : 7,5/10
C/o : www.myspace.com/nadimacbend

MASQUERAGE - Moonlight Time


MASQUERAGE - Moonlight Time

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 24 January 2009

MASQUERAGE " Moonlight Time "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD - FINLAND
Melodic/heavy/power metal


A Finnish Masquerage is a five-piece act, active some period on domestic scene. Till now, they have released a 5 Demos, 2 full-lengths and 1 DVD.
This is really impressive discography, if we have in mind that practically all promotional things band releases with own forces. They have in formation a singer/frontman Kimmo Peramaki, known for his former activities with group Celesty, but all other members posses respectable musical/performing knowledges too.
"Moonlight Time" has introduced themselves as a prominent melodic/heavy act with clear power metal and even hard rock includings. Technically also all other things funkcionize as well, and I will also add that band had offered an interesting artwork cover of CD's , with 12 pages colour booklet.
There are 9 tracks on album, I couldn' t mention any specific or special one as a potential hittish track, but generally a group has offered equalizing material and general clear conception. I beleive that band deserve a wider attention, especially of some relevant record company, so we'll see what the future brings.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.masquarage.net

e-mail : masquarage@masquarage.net

Friday, January 23, 2009

HUGH WATSON - The Drowning Man


HUGH WATSON - The Drowning Man

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 23 January 2009

HUGH WATSON " The Drowning Man "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Rock/blues/soul - USA


From Thibodaux, Lousiana comes out singer/songwriter Hugh Watson. As a artist, he also has a special interest for Lousiana roots music, and oftenly he use to mention about his musical background and heritages. With his friends and colaborators, a some months ago, he has recorded an album material, entitled "The Drowning Man" . "The Drowning Man" introduce himself as a artist who is faithfull to rock/blues heritages, and especially to 70's period legacies. A present songs were done in same mentioned mood, with also many soulful details and general one evident soul pastiche. A songs are mostly done in mid to mid-up tempo, but also exists a few
half-ballads. A present tracks posses equalizing qualities, where clear melodic lines has followed practically all of 10 tracks. I didn' t find any "so call" weacker detail in Hugh's and his band general messages, and "The Drowning Man" are consists of fine songs and same atmosphere. Only a mentioned 70's flavour "eliminates" presence of nowadays standards, but at last who cares. For all 70's rock/blues/soul followers "The Drowning Man" could be an interesting album.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : http://hughwatson.tripod.com
www.myspace.com/hughdocwatsonwatson

JAPHLET BIRE ATTIAS - JBA


JAPHLET BIRE ATTIAS - JBA

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 23 January 2009

JAPHLET BIRE ATTIAS " JBA "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD
- USA
World music/jazz/progressive


A newer name on world music therithory is young performer Japhlet Bire Attias. After playing the guitar for some period, he decided to "change" direction and face his performing capabilities with 10-string Chapman Stick instrument. With some well-educated and established musicians, he has recorded a materials for debut album, entitled simply "JBA". He is well-performer, refine author, arranger, and his musial offering touches many interesting fields as a: world music, progressive, jazz, fusion, and some other things in-between. Complete present materials were done in specific mood, and one general pleasent atmosphere is evident . With his collaborators, Japhlet has also offered some known compositions/covers, and I would add that versions of tracks as a : "Senor Mouse" ( Return To Forever ), "Trilogy" ( Emerson, Lake & Palmer ), or "Islands, Islas,Iles ( King Crimson ) are really unique and unrepeateble. In some places, a mentioned atmosphere which artists has reflected on album, reminds me on some earliest works of Pete Metheny/Lyle Mays fame. But, that comparazitions doesn' t change complete picture of present ideas/musics, which JBA and his friends has created. As Japhlet told me, soonly he will visit Bosnia, and he is hoping to play there. If you have a possible chance to facing with his music, don' t hesitate and come up to see him and his band.

Rating : 9/10
C / o : www.japhletba.com

www.myspace.com/japhletba
e-mail : JaphletBA@msn.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

IMBROGLIO - The Oncoming Swarm


IMBROGLIO - The Oncoming Swarm
Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 21 January 2009

IMBROGLIO " The Oncoming Swarm "
( The Path Less Traveled Records ) 2008.
MS
CD
Metal/alter/experimental - USA


"The Oncoming Swarm" album of band Imbroglio is another title from "The Path Less Traveled Records" catalogue. A band works as a quartet, and originated in Dayton, OH in February of 2007 year. Imbroglio's musical offering is interesting and unusual combination of metal, fullfield
with alter/experimental elements. Swirling riffs, electro loops, industrial atmospheric conception with addition of screaming vocalizations, characterize most of album materials. There are 8 tracks on album, and different atmosphere dominates through different parts of present tracks.
Imbroglio has offered prety inventive authors vision, and mentioned element surelly eleminetes some less interesting moments.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.thepathlesstraveledrecords.com

www.myspace.com/imbroglio666

PROTEST - The Truth Enslaves Us


PROTEST - The Truth Enslaves Us

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 21 January 2009

PROTEST " The Truth Enslaves Us "
( The Path Less Traveled Records ) 2006.
MS
EP CD
Thrash/hardcore - USA


Out of Dallas, TX comes band Protest, formed back in December 2003. They work in quintet formation, and in October 2006, they have released with own forces an EP,entitled "The Truth Enslaves Us". A 2 years later, "The Path Less Traveled Records" staff decide to join forces with the band, and now group works under the label promotionals circuit.
A band's musical offering is some sort of agressive/brutal thrash metal "locate" somewhere at the end of the 80's and the begining of the 90's period, fullfield with strong hardcore elements. A 5 present songs are done with strong backing performings and relevant screaming and agressive
vocalizations. A production is also nearer to 90's psychology than to nowadays standards.
Protest has performed own materials in convinceble way, but unfortunatelly with lack of originality. That's the key problem, all other things band did in expectingly relevant way.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.thepathlesstraveledrecords.com

www.protestband.com
www.myspace.com/protest

DAVE MELL - Blues With A Feeling


DAVE MELL - Blues With A Feeling

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 21 January 2009

DAVE MELL BLUES BAND " Blues With A Feeling "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD - USA

Blues/rhythm and blues/rock/swing


Dave Mell is well-experienced guitarist and musician from Eastern PA area. He has been playing
since 1972 year, and his performing and discographical activities has included collaboration with many collegues/performers. He toured a loot, and also few times in Ukraine among others.
He has recorded a several albums, 2 with his Blues Band, and also 2 DVD's. Actuelle one "Blues
With A Feeling"introduce himself and his collaborators in one optimistic and absolute positive mood . There are 18 tracks on album, duration over a 70 minutes. Even that we can find mainly covers on album ( 2 of them are authors creations ), Dave and his band has offered a respectable portion of well-played blues/rhythm and blues songs, done with evident refine style and 50's flavours. Many classic rock elements as same as swing and even jive/earliest rock and roll details are present in album. Practically all of offering songs posses different atmosphere, but we can't find here and there any boring moments/places. I suppose that concert atmosphere should be a real place to facing with Dave Mell Blues Band's musical offering, but a second album of his band is also a recomandable product. Don' t hesitate and grab your copy from CD Baby, or from band's site.

Rating : 8/10
C/o : www.davemellbluesband.com

http://cdbaby.com/cd/davemell

Monday, January 19, 2009

INFEST - Christ Denial


INFEST - Christ Denial

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 19 January 2009

INFEST " Christ Denial "
( Self - released ) 2009.
EP CD

Thrash/death metal - SERBIA


A well-known Jagodina based horde Infest, are in the saddle again. They have an actuelle EP with three tracks in, entitled "Christ Denial", and announce a forthcoming full-length. A band is active continiously from 2003 year, and till now they have in own discography 2 Demos and 1 full-length.
This trio expressed themselves as a explosive concert act, where even of its so call old school thrash/death offerings , their music also comphrised enough modern tendencies and views. All of three present tracks - "Onward To Destroy", "Back To The War" and s/t "Christ Denial" posses
enough brutality as same as energy, fullfield with strong performing parts and blast rhythms, so Infest trucked in expecting way. Infest has offered a respectable portion of "organized" brutality with evident modern approach, and "Christ Denial" EP is more than recomandeble issue, from this very moment.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.infestlegions.com

www.myspace.com/infestserbia

e-mail : infestlegions@yahoo.com

Twelve Inches - Sixpack


Twelve Inches - Sixpack

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 19 January 2009

TWELVE INCHES " Sixpack "
( Self - released ) 2008.

EP CD - FINLAND
Rock/hard rock/melodic hard rock


Out of capitol Helsinki, comes a band Twelve Inches, formerly known as Psycho Bitch.A Finnish fellows works as a quartet, and actuelle materials has released with own forces, as a self-financed issue. "Sixpack" is an EP with 6 offering tracks. Even that band labelled themselves as a rock/metal/glam act, judging by music from its actuelle issue, they are more on rock/hard rock therithory, with clear classic rock as same as melodic hard rock traces. I would add that all of 6 present songs posses pretty listenable dimension, strong productional work, and fine performings. They sounds as a well-experienced act and "Sixpack" finds them as a serious group with promising forthcoming pretensions. In some aspects their songs reminds me on Deff Leppard's approach, from its first two albums, but only in unpretencious/hidden way. Twelve Inches are convinceble enough in its performings messages.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.twelveinches.net

www.myspace.com/twelveinchesmusic

e-mail : management@twelveinches.net

Dirty Penny - Take It Sleezy


Dirty Penny - Take It Sleezy

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 19 January 2009

DIRTY PENNY
" Take It Sleezy "
( Dirty Penny Music ) 2007.
CD
Sleaze/glam rock/hard rock - USA

Dirty Penny are Californian band, formerly known as Antidote. They work as a quartet, and sleaze/glam followers already knows enough about them. A band constantly performs, and its albums offering from 2007 year, entitled "Take It Sleezy", strictly shows their experienced status. A band clearly describes own musical tastes and wishes, and its musical offerings is some sort of sleaze/glam rock, influental by the 80's period. Some comparazitions leads to Motley Crue as a main inspiration, but also we can find here and there some other musical traces, similiar to Poison or Crashdiet legacies. They have a very convinceble frontman/singer in formation, but all other musicians strictly and relevant did all duties.There are 12 tracks on album, a melodic lines are also strong weapon of its songs, and complete album didn' t fail in any of possible uninventive or problematic circle. "Take It Sleezy" could be a promising album for sleaze/glam followers, and especially for 80's / old-school freaks.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.dirtypennysucks.com
www.myspace.com/dirtypennysucks

Mumble Rumble - Tredici


Mumble Rumble - Tredici

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 19 January 2009

MUMBLE RUMBLE
" Tredici "
( Latlantide ) 2008.
CD
Rock/alter/crossover - ITALY

Mumble Rumble is Bologna/Italy all-female based band. Their carrear started back in 1990 year, and till now girls has recorded a three albums.
A first one "Kapow" dated back from 1994, followed by "Ricordaredimenticare" released in 1999 year, and in previous 2008 year, a third actuelle CD, looked a light of day. As I saw from the web informations, a girls did a lotta effort in promotional activities, so we can find a many textures/reviews of its actuelle issue and current datings.
Mumble Rumble works as a quartet and judging by musical offerings "Tredici" album comphrise many different stylish/performing options.
A girls has offered one interesting amalgam of rock/alter rock, as same as metal and even pop includings. Simona DeSanctis sings in both english and italian, and one general authors freedom is evident in band's creations. Influences comes out from different periods, and also are presents many details taken from post new wave era. A different atmosphere also dominates through its songs, but girls has performed offering materials with passion, unstandardized energy and
emotions. "Tredici" is certailnly an interesting album of Mumble Rumble with many unexpecting mood changes, rhythm transformations and emotional challengies.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.mumblerumble.com
www.myspace.com/mumblerumble
e-mail : info@mublerumble.com
www.latlantide.it

Vertigo Steps - Vertigo Steps


Vertigo Steps - Vertigo Steps

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 19 January 2009

VERTIGO STEPS " Vertigo Steps "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD - PORTUGAL/FINLAND

Dark/atmospheric/progressive metal


A newer project/band of a Bruno.A.from Arcane Wisdom fame is - Vertigo Steps. They were formed in 2007 year, and released an album material at the end of previous 2008. With the additional players as a frontman/singer Niko Mankinen from known Misery Inc. band, bass player Stein R. Sordal from Green Carnation, plus rhythm section comphrise of drummer Daniel Cardoso and Alexandre Ribeiro on fretless bass and some other guests, he has created an unusual variant of dark/atmospheric/progressive metal, with pretty original taste. A 10 offering tracks posses untipical atmophere and performimg dinamizations, and judging by arrangments offering, a songs are mostly different among them.Authors creativities are clear, and band didn' t pass through so call technical supremation. Vertigo Steps also has offered a many non-metal traces on its s/t album, but complete final picture absolutely will satisfie potential listeners population.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.vertigosteps.com

www.myspace.com/vertigosteps

e-mail : vertigosteps@gmail.com


Monday, January 12, 2009

THE LOST PATROL - Midnight Matinee


THE LOST PATROL - Midnight Matinee

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 12 January 2009

THE LOST PATROL " Midnight Matinee "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD
- USA
Surf/shoegaze/psychedelic


The Lost Patrol is three piece band, and its activities dated back from the end of the 90's. They comes out from Piermont, New York, and its carrear is also discographically relevant. A band has released till now a 7 issues.A last one, "Midnight Matinee", band did with own forces, as a self-financed album. In formation, a group has a new singer, and this is charismatic Mollie Israel. She replaced a previous vocalist, after realization of "Launch And Landing" album.
The Lost Patrol is pretty original and unique act. Its stylish option comphrise many interesting variants as a : surf, 60's psychedelia, indie pop, 60's beat, and many interesting traces in-between. A songs posses dreamy/catchy atmosphere, where one specific so call retro approach is present here and there. Some associations leads to Morricone film music, 60's beat and psychedelia , but also some comparabilities cover legacies of acts as a :Echo & The Bunnymen , Lush, Ride, The Chameleons...There are 10 tracks on album, duration of little less then 37 minutes, but band payed attention on every possible detail/place on album.
"Midnight Matinee" is also very inspirative and in some way optimistic issue. I have to add that in nowadays scene The Lost Patrol takes a specific place and position.

Rating : 9/10
C /o : www.thelostpatrol.com

www.myspace.com/lostpatrol

OTIS READ - Turn A Page


OTIS READ - Turn A Page

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 12 January 2009

OTIS READ " Turn A Page "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Americana/country/folk - USA


Otis Read isn't a new name in a music world. His presence and carrear has a longest history behind , and among many other important or less important duties and happenings, he is known as a performer and producer of 5 CD's on the "North Star" record label . He also managed a famous "Westlands Nightclub" in NYC. Otis also has performed in numerous different settups over the years, and his experience is huge and evident. "Turn A Page" should be a first of 3 forthcoming CD's, and main inspiration in album materials Otis finds in his previous period of living, and that was Italy. All of 13 present songs speaks about love and its specific different stages and moods. Emotionally driven songs were done in country/folk/americana style with some other stylish options in-between, as a blues and roots too."Turn A Page" also has accepted a one specific 70's feel, and some comparazition leads to Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver and Gram Parsons legacies.
But every separate track from the album speaks for itself, and shows respectable and tastefull authors signiture. "Turn A Page" has introduced Otis's authors work in refine way, and his music is specially recomandable for playing and analyzing in night-time period.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.otisread.com

www.myspace.com/otisreadmusic

Saturday, January 10, 2009

VIS SCENA - Vis Scena


VIS SCENA - Vis Scena

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 10 January 2009

VIS SCENA " Vis Scena "
( Goraton ) 2008.

CD
Pop/jazz-pop/soul-pop - SERBIA

A few months before, a Majdanpek based band Vis Scena has released a S/t album for Montenegrinian label "Goraton". Vis Scena aren't a new name on domestic ( Serbian ) scene, but its carrear passed in many years of inactivities. During the 90's they have released a only cassete tape issue for "Take It Or Leave It" records, a few years before they have also recorded another ( second ) album, but as I saw from band's site, they never pressed mentioned offering. Actuelle one, is judging by members from band promotional activities very "serious" project, and we'll see what the future brings.
Musically, a band is on therithory of mainstream pop, fullfield with clear jazz-pop and even soul-pop traces. In many musical pictures, as same as assosiations, its songs reminds me on legacies of 2 groups - Belgrade act Bel Tempo active on late 80's and begining of the 90's period and Croation act - JINX. A mentioned similiarities are evident, but Vis Scena hardly tried to offer own vision and views. A songs from album are listenable and acceptable for radio usings. Nothing especially more and important were done in present 11 tracks, but it seems that band did what they want. I' m not sure that occasionals and surroundings in former Yu scene are going in same line with band's today's wishes, and in my opinion , their album could be more acceptable for the standards, relativities and relations from 90's period. Even of that, a followers of retro jazzy/soul pop tendencies can pay attention on band's music and forthcoming activities.

Rating : 6,5/10
C / o : www.goraton.com

TAKARA - Invitation To Forever


TAKARA - Invitation To Forever

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 10 January 2009

TAKARA " Invitation To Forever "
( Progrock Records/SPV ) 2008.

CD

Melodic hard rock/AOR - USA


After a 7 years of silence, guitarist Neal Grusky and his Takara band are back with new album. This is its 5th issue ( band also has released a one compilation ), done with new line-up, and with some musical differences in comparazation with previous materials. Also a former singer Jeff Scot Sotto visited band and gave some back-up vocalizations. Takara has offered equalized materials, and this is expecting melodic hard rock variant, but little more harder, than the case was in the past. Technically, a band's offerings communicate with standards of this time, but with little more than ususal manniristic includings. A songs posses clear melodic as same as hittish traces, and most of present tracks are acceptable for radio usings. "Invitation To Forever" is expectingly relevant Takara album , and band is in the saddle again.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.takararocks.com

www.myspace.com/takararocks

THE FABULOUS HORNDOGS - Dog Tracks


THE FABULOUS HORNDOGS - Dog Tracks

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 10 January 2009

THE FABULOUS HORNDOGS " Dog Tracks "
( World Records ) 2008.

CD
- USA
Blues/rhythm and blues/funk


For all fans of New Orleans rhythm and blues tendencies, a CD's of Fabulous Horndogs could be a rare gem and real gift.They hails from Michigan, and in mentioned area, they are a premiere dance and party band. Its line-up are consists of well-experienced and well-trained musicians, and that's clear after listenings of just few tacts from actuelle album. "Dog Tracks" are consists of mainly well-known covers, but The Fabulous Horndogs performs them with pretty tasteful feeling, dinamization and style. "Dog Tracks" comprise blues and rhythm and blues tracks, arranged with funky flavour, where saxophone and trombone "dictates" a specific mood. "Red Beans", Funky Kid", "Drinking Tanqueray", "Cease And Desist" are some of the band's offering songs which surelly as others deserves constant replaying in your sound system. Surelly, the best possible way to communicate with band is a club atmosphere, but "Dog Tracks" also has offered enough representative moments.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : http://www.fabuloushorndogs.com

e-mail : email@fabuloushorndogs.com

Friday, January 9, 2009

LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA - The Second Best


LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA - The Second Best

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 9 January 2009

LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA " The Second Best "
( Low Budget Music ) 2008.

CD
- FINLAND
Progressive/instrumental progressive


One man stands behind complete band/project Low Budget Orchestra, and his name is Mikko Muranen. He played all instruments except electronic drum and create a one untipical atmosphere. A basic idea of Low Budget Orchestra is recording and producing a quality music without expensive budget, and it seems that Mikko finds enough performings/authors sources to realize own ideas. "The Second Best" album are consists of instrumental progressive themes whose orientations belongs to 80's and 90's neo-progressive vision, fullfield with hint of prog. metal elements, but also some space rock traces exists in Mikko's messages. Very fine works dominetes through offering themes, and production is also modernly thereathed.
"The Second Best" is more than interesting album, and Mikko's creations can satisfies also a many newer suspicious prog. folowers.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.lowbudgetmusic.com
e-mail : mikko@lowbudgetmusic.com

SLAVE TRAITOR - Man Infest Destiny


SLAVE TRAITOR - Man Infest Destiny

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 9 January 2009

SLAVE TRAITOR " Man Infest Destiny "
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD

Heavy/doom/sludge metal - USA

During the second part of previous 2008 year, a Seattle based band Slave Traitor has released its second effort, entitled "Man Infest Destiny".
It's a EP issue, and the same situation was also with group's first effort - " Black Narcissus " from 2006 year, a mentioned title is also an EP. A band was formed in 2005 year, work as a quartet with 2 guitarists, who also with bassist did a vocal duties. Slave Traitor's stylish and performing variants are consists of mixing elements of classic heavy, doom and sludge options. A band plays so call down tempo metal with strong dinamizations and hypnotic riff phrases. Most of materials are done in mid to mid-up tempo, where one general similiar psychology exists on all of present tracks. I would also add, that production is enough convinceble and mostly clear .

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.slavetraitor.com

www.myspace.com/slavetraitor

e-mail : slavetraitor@slavetraitor.com

Monday, January 5, 2009

THE TERRY ECKARD BAND - Rebel On The Highway


THE TERRY ECKARD BAND - Rebel On The Highway

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 5 January 2009

THE TERRY ECKARD BAND " Rebel On The Highway "
( Waggletone Records ) 2008.
CD - USA
Sounthern rock/70's rock/
rock/blues rock


I have found in some web textures that few reporters/reviewers use to say that Terry Eckard Band is maybe the best sounthern rock act in our time. And after listening of group's last album "Rebel On The Highway", my opinion could be nearer or similiar to mentioned statements.
The Terry Eckard Band works as a trio, fronted by Terry Eckard - guitarist/singer/author, and comes out from Hickory, North Carolina.
" Rebel On The Highway" brings absolutelly inspirative and convinceble portion of southern rock music. Complete album materials has sounded as a best possible LP material of some well-known act released in glory 70's. But, USA trio isn' t uninnovative act and its performing options also finds inspiration in our time. "Rebel On The Highway" are consists of 13 tracks in , where we can find a classic southern rock tunes, blues-rock songs, a tracks similiar to Blackfoot/Molly Hatchet stylish approach, 2 ballads and 1 instrumental theme. All the members from band has showed a respectable authority as a performers, and all of them posses evident experience. USA fellows surelly did a god job, and their album deserve only positive recomandations.

Rating : 9/10
C / o : www.theterryeckardband.com

WILX - Didactic Dichotomy


WILX - Didactic Dichotomy

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 5 January 2009

WILX " Didactic Dichotomy "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Rock/alter rock/jam rock - USA


A few days before I have received a CD's of Athens, GA group WILX from their impressario Owen Gray. A band is active on homeland scene from 2005 year, works in quartet formation, and they have an album in its discography, released in second part of previous 2008 year.
"Didactic Dichotomy" is more than interesting debut, and we can find 8 relevant songs in. A band is faithfull to musical roots tipical for american heritage, but its musical offering comprise more stylish options.
Basically, Wilx play own variant of rock, with evident emotionals, passion and energy. But, band's rock approach also communicate with so call "country" influences, 70's rock legacy, jam rock psychology and even grunge additionals. All of present songs also posses evident melodic lines, and key element of its performings, lays in fact that band has sounded as a serious and experienced act. As a album "Didactic Dichotomy" cover strongest group's potentials and relevantely introduced them. I hope to wider listeners populations.

Rating : 8,5/10
C / o : www.wilxband.com

www.myspace.com/thewilxband

Sunday, January 4, 2009

MARC CHAUNET - Terre de feu


MARC CHAUNET - Terre de feu

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 4 January 2009

MARC CHAUNET " Terre de feu "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Progressive/chanson - CANADA


Out of Quebec City comes a singer-songwriter Marc Chaunet. He is also DJ and editor in local radio station, and takes part of "Terra Incognita" radio show, where he informs audience about nowadays progressive scene/tendencies. A some period ago, he has recorded an album material
and release as a DIY/self issue. "Terre de feu" finds him as a singer/songwriter and guitar player, where important parts in complete albums realizations belongs to his old time friend and
collaborator/arranger/multi-instrumentalist - Stephane Cormier. A two other persons also finds
important place on Marc's album, and that's a : drummer Olivier Aerni, and flute performer - Sonia Giroux. "Terra de feu" are consists of 10 melodic themes with conceptual orientations and some basically humanistic messages. Acoustic and electric parts oftenly changes places in Marc's songs, and his progressive offering is also fullfield with tipical French flavour as a chanson as a main element. So, we can find here very unique authors offering . I would also add that specific atmosphere also could be a dominate factor in Marc's songs, and one emotionally "darker" or its better to say "harder" atmosphere is evident practically on complete album materials. Marc's album isn' t easy for analysing, but surelly his authors signiture deserve listeners attention.

Rating : 8/10
C / o : www.mchaunet.com

www.myspace.com/mchaunet

THYONE - Thyone


THYONE - Thyone

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 4 January 2009

THYONE " Thyone" Demo
( Self - released ) 2008.
EP CD-R

Melodic death/progressive/heavy metal - GERMANY


A German act Thyone is a newer name on national underground metal market.
They have founded in 2005 year, works in quartet formation, and during the years of existence they had some personal changes. A few months ago they have recorded a Demo with 5 tracks in.
Thyone plays , I would say untipical variant of melodic/progressive death metal, fullfield with also classic heavy traces. Musically, and judging by its arrangments threathenings they are more on progressive than death therithory, where also one important thing exist in its performings, and that's are vocalizations parts. A vocal segments mostly aren't done as a growl variants, or exists in so call "softier" growl options, and we can find mainly screaming and "normal" singings options. 2 of 5 offering tracks - "The Chosen Folk" and "Forest Of Night" seriously has showed a band's arrangments potentials and progressive tendencies. But, the same situation doesn' t exists on other parts of its Demo.
I would also add that productional work is weak on most places of its Demo, and some corrections band surelly have to offer in future and forthcoming issues.

Rating : 6/10
C / o : www.thyone.de.tt

www.myspace.com/thyonenbg

LEGIONS OF WAR - Mission To Kill


LEGIONS OF WAR - Mission To Kill

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 4 January 2009

LEGIONS OF WAR " Mission To Kill "
( Self released/Inferno Records ) 2008.

EP CD
Black/thrash metal - SWEDEN


Out of Tanum, Sweden comes Legions Of War, underground metal horde, founded back in 2002 year. They work as a quartet, and till now they have delivered a 3 Demo issues : "Proclamation Of War" ( 2006.), "In the Snipers Eye" ( 2007.), and actuelle one "Mission To Kill" ( 2008.).
A band is faithfull to one sort of raw black/thrash metal. They plays without compromises, with enough brutal and agressive parts. Underground and DIY psychology are evident in its approach too. They have offered a 6 tracks, I would add with presence of also 90's influences, and more of USA acts, active in mentioned period. "Reflections From The Past" could be a more prolific track from its Demo.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.legionsofwar.se

Broken Melody - Face The World


Broken Melody - Face The World

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 4 January 2009

BROKEN MELODY " Face The World "
( Self - released ) 2007.

CD

Heavy/power/melodic metal/hard rock/rock - ITALY


Out Of Alghero, Sardinia comes a band Broken Melody founded in April 2006 year.
They have released firstly an EP "If You Want To Fly", and later on a full-length, entitled "Face The World". A some period ago they have signed to "Copro Records", and we'll see what future brings for Italians.
Still actuelle album "Face The World" are consists of untipical heavy/power/melodic metal traces, fullfield with hard rock and even rock elements.
Yes, the songs posses different stylish options and different atmospheres varies among them, and also a production is unclear from place to place. Melodicity is key element of its performing vision, but present songs are mostly uninnovative and less-interesting. One precisely less than avarage dimension is present through band's authors vision, and most of materials dissapointelly failed ..

Rating : 5/10
C / o : http://www.broken-melody.com
www.myspace.com/brokenmelody01

Stratus - Equilibrium?


Stratus - Equilibrium?

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 4 January 2009

STRATUS " Equilibrium?"
( Take It Or Leave It Records ) 2008.

CD

Heavy/progressive metal - SERBIA


A Jagodina based band Stratus is well-known outfit on Serbian metal market.
They are active a some years ago, and during the period of existence, they have released a two full-lengths.A first album dated back from 2005 year, and actuelle one looked the light a day at the end of previous 2008 year. A band has new label and new line-up, and some stylish differences between actuelle and first album.
Musically,"Equilibrium?" is more orientire to prog. metal tendencies of older school, I would add with archaic traces and realizations.
A weak production, boring vocal harmonizations, and similiar arrangments threathenings are present practically on complete album materials, so complete impression is realistically sad. Only part-time interesting instrumental dualities sustain listener's attention, but uninnovative lirical approach also has showed a lack of creativities. After "Equilibrium?" a positions and status of Jagodina outfit certainly will fall in domestic area.

Rating : 5/10
C / o : www.stratusband.com

www.tiolirec.com

Friday, January 2, 2009

Dorian Opera - No Secrets


Dorian Opera - No Secrets

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 2 January 2009

DORIAN OPERA " No Secrets "
( Mals ) 2008.

CD
Progressive/progressive rock/
progressive metal - GERMANY


A German act Dorian Opera was formed in May, 2007 year. A band are comprised of well-experienced musicians, also professionals who performed together in many previous groups/occasionals. They work as a quartet, and main intention of its offering views is some sort of equalizations of classical and rock messages. A group has in its line-up skillful performers and two composers - guitarist Oliver Weislogel and keyborder Andrew Roussak. They offered in actuelle debut "No Secrets" a portion of progressive/progressive rock visions, fullfield with prog. metal elements.
We can find in its approach influences comes out from 90's period, and from British acts legacies too, but clever performings, and also wise arrangments creations, shows that Dorian Opera posses many other own qualities.
A production is also modern, and in some places each of offering songs has many exceptional moments, also comparabile with some classical or 70's progressive un(known) themes. Dorian Opera is a certain act, with strong attitudes and statements.

Rating: 8,5/10
C / o : www.dorian-opera.de
www.myspace.com/dorianopera

UNDER EDEN - Phoenix On Frozen Wings


UNDER EDEN - Phoenix On Frozen Wings

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 2 January 2009

UNDER EDEN " Phoenix On Frozen Wings "
( Self - released ) 2008.

EP CD
Death/thrash metal - USA


Out of Saint Paul, Menneapolis, Minnesota comes a band Under Eden, formed back in 2000 year. They had some discographical activities.
Firstly, a band has released a Demo "Songs From A Savage Circle" ( 2003 ), and two years later a full-length "The Savage Circle" was followed ..
"Phoenix On Frozen Wings" is a newer issue, this is a EP with 5 tracks in, 3 of them are newer, and 2 are from mentioned "The Savage Circle" album, but done with new remixes. Under Eden are faithfull to death/thrash tendencies. Their sound is melodic, but at the same time aggressive
and band played strictly with passion. Evident underground psychology dominates through present materials, and there's no doubt that band did a lotta efforts in general realizations. A little more distinctive arrangments could be better for final impression, but we'll see what the future brings in their case.

Rating : 7/10
C / o : www.under-eden.net

www.myspace.com/undereden

RUSTY RIERSON - Till The Fat Lady Sings


RUSTY RIERSON - Till The Fat Lady Sings

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 2 January 2009

RUSTY RIERSON " Till The Fat Lady Sings "
( Self - released ) 2008.

CD

Country - USA

A some period ago, I have received a CD from young fellow Rusty Rierson. He is also a newer name on constantly growing country market, and he has also recorded a debut album entitled "Till The Fat Lady Sings".
"Till The Fat Lady Sings" are consists of 12 melodic tunes, where half of them has penned by Rusty himself. He has offered one very acceptable combination of old fashioned style mixing with modern production and some popy includings. Under the mentioned variations he offered own vision, where many comparabilities could exists, but at last that changed practically nothing. One generally pleasent atmosphere dominates through complete album materials, and I woould specially recomand a s/t track "Till The Fat Lady Sings", as same as ballad "Angel Of My Heart". Rusty posses a pleasent voice, and most of his songs are acceptable for radio editing. "Till The Fat Lady Sings" finally offers a fine materials, and generally Rusty's debut could be a good discographical start for him.

Rating : 7,5/10
C / o : www.RustyRierson.com